Purple fountain grass is an annual even though many big box stores try to sell it as a perennial. It will die in the winter. If you would like a perennial grass, there are several other options to consider. The dead grass can be pretty in the winter and does not have to be removed in the fall.

People also ask, will my purple fountain grass come back?

This ornamental grass cannot survive cold winters and is hardy only in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and warmer (though in Zones 7-8 it can sometimes reappear given adequate winter protection). Once the threat of freezing weather and frost has passed in spring, you can set the purple fountain grass back outdoors.

Similarly, why did my fountain grass die? As a warm season grass, older fountain grass growth responds by dying back. This is normal and allows for new growth to have sufficient space, air and light in spring. Other browning fountain grass causes may be overwatering, excess fertilizer, pot bound plants or burning caused by searing sunlight.

Keeping this in view, how do you revive purple fountain grass?

Gently remove loose soil from the roots and place the plant in a container with at least 3 inches of potting soil in the bottom. Water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. Fill the container with soil, water again and place your fountain grass in a sunny location. Water regularly and watch for new growth.

How often do you water purple fountain grass?

Purple fountain grass is considered a drought-tolerant ornamental grass. Water once or twice a week until plants are established. Give time for the soil to dry to the touch between each watering. In areas that receive rain occasionally, you will not need to water the grass once it has been established.

Does Fountain grass need to be cut back?

The best time when to trim fountain grass back is in the late winter or early spring. The exact timing is not as important as just making sure that you prune fountain grass back before it starts actively growing. You want to avoid doing fountain grass pruning in the fall, as the plant has not yet died back all the way.

How do you protect purple fountain grass in the winter?

Keep the plants in a cool, not freezing, dark location with slightly moist soil. The goal is to keep the fountain grass dormant, not growing and not shriveling up, throughout the winter. In mid March, move the plants to a warm sunny location to get them started growing.

Can you split purple fountain grass?

You can best transplant and/or divide up the clump in the fall before dormancy or in the spring when the plant is beginning to re-grow.

Does Fountain grass need full sun?

Established plants do not need regular watering, except during periods of drought. Fountain grass does well in nearly any type of soil; however, for greater results, fountain grass should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. Fountain grass enjoys full sun but tolerates some light shade.

Is purple fountain grass poisonous to dogs?

Toxicity. The Pawprints and Purrs website identifies purple fountain grass as nontoxic to pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does not list purple fountain grass among the plants hazardous to dogs.

Do ornamental grasses have deep roots?

Clump Root System Large ornamental grass plants may have roots that grow 12 to 18 inches deep. Leave at least one eye bud on each clump division for the plant to continue growing.

How do you harvest purple fountain grass seeds?

Acquire Your Seeds
  1. Buy enough purple fountain grass seeds to allow a several seeds per square inch of planting area or seedling pot.
  2. Prepare seedling pots with soil and plant several purple fountain grass seeds per pot about 1-inch deep.
  3. Sow seeds directly into ground soil after the last frost has passed.

Is purple fountain grass toxic to cats?

Purple fountain grass is not considered toxic to cats and should not produce symptoms associated with plant poisoning. However, Pawprints and Purrs states that any plant material can produce uncomfortable symptoms if ingested.

Why is my purple fountain grass green?

Purple fountain grass is a cultivar called 'Rubrum' selected from Pennisetum setaceum, or green fountain grass. The purple to reddish-burgundy foliage makes it stand out from the normal greenish hues associated with ornamental grass.

How do you remove fountain grass?

However, your kitchen holds a secret weapon to removing this nuisance without herbicides.
  1. Cut any tall ornamental grass down to within 2 to 4 inches of ground level with pruning shears or scissors.
  2. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
  3. Spray the homemade weed killer directly on the ornamental grass.

Are ornamental grasses annuals or perennials?

Ornamental grasses may be annuals or perennials; short or tall; spring or fall flowering; prolific self-seeders or sterile; invasive spreaders or well-behaved clump-formers. They add two elements to the the garden that are not provided by many other plants: movement and sound.

What grows well with fountain grass?

Companion Plants for Short Ornamental Grasses Alyssum -- Annuals and perennials with lots of tiny flowers in several colors. Aster alpinus -- Spring-blooming perennial with lavender-blue flowers. Campanula carpatica -- Blue bellflowers on short plants. Perennial.

How do you transplant fountain grass?

Whether division takes place in early spring or early fall, watering the ornamental grass' soil thoroughly about one hour before dividing the plant softens the ground. Cut the plant's foliage to about 6 inches tall. Using a sharp spade, dig all the way around the grass clump, and lift it from the ground.

How do you grow red fountain grass?

If growing from seed, water the soil frequently to keep it evenly moist. Plant fountain grass in an area that gets full sun for best results, although it can tolerate partial shade. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage. Plant fountain grass as a single specimen or in a mass planting.

How does fountain grass reproduce?

Roots are fibrous and grow to 1 foot deep; forms mycorrhizal associations; no rhizomes. Reproduces solely by seed, though it may be intentionally propagated through division; seeds germinate in late spring after maturing for several months; seeds viable 6–7 years.

Is fountain grass an evergreen?

Ornamental Evergreen Grasses This easy-going evergreen handles various soil conditions in Sunset's Climate Zones 4 through 24. A common ornamental grass that grows in Sunset's Climate Zones 4 through 24 is fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides).

When should you trim maiden grass?

The stems can be pruned off 3 inches from the ground in late winter to early spring for a fresh, neat look. The plants' large, arching growth habit makes them messy to prune.